Full moon yesterday…While walking my dog in the morning, gawking at the moon, I contemplated how crazy it is that there is this whole other side of the moon that we have never seen here on Earth…ever! This “dark side” of the moon is not visible to us due to a phenomenon known as Tidal Locking. The Moon and Earth have altered their orbits through their gravitational interactions over millions of years. Because the Earth is much larger than the Moon, the Moon’s rotation has slowed to a balance point. The time for the Moon to have a full rotation around its axis is the same time for the Moon to fully orbit around the Earth. WILD…RIGHT?!
Many people use the phrase “the dark side of the moon” to describe things that are unknown and mysterious. With Franci leaving, Merle stepping up as the interim Head of School, and starting the 2025-2026 school year with Jason, there’s a lot of unknowns. We all know that change is inevitable. Maybe instead of thinking about the unknown side of the moon as the “dark side,” we could consider it as the “far side.” It’s there, we know it, but we just don’t know what it looks like.
-LD
Math:
This week, we began our third unit of study on fractions and decimals by noticing patterns with zeros. Next week, we’ll extend this knowledge into grouping diagrams to create division problems with fractions and decimals.
ELA:
This week, 6th grade began a new reading unit that focuses on character dynamics and relationship in When You Reach Me. We also began a new grammar study of parts of speech.
Next week, 6th grade will study character conflicts and power dynamics in their novels. We will have a grammar test on 10/24.
Social Studies:
Sixth grade had a wonderful week learning about the wonderful buildings and structures found throughout Egypt. We discussed the most famous Pharaoh, Ramses II, and learned about mummification. Next week we will learn about hieroglyphics and will start to discuss the collapse of ancient Egypt civilization.
Science:
This week, sixth graders worked hard on completing and polishing up their Ted Talks. They practiced for each other, conferenced for feedback, presented to the class, and made changes. They are not only learning about climate change through this project, but also determination, motivation, and creativity. They will be presenting in the library on Tuesday 10/29. Sixth graders also learned about energy transfer this week. They considered how thermal energy is transferred through conduction, convection, and radiation.
Important Dates:
October 22: Picture Day
October 28: LeAnn Gardner Parent Presentation (5:30)
October 31: Halloween Carnival (11:30 Dismissal)
November 1: Teacher Work Day (No Students)
November 11&12: Parent Teacher Conferences
November 22: Harvest Feast
November 25-29: Thanksgiving Break